Cleveland Browns Make Blockbuster Trade for Patriots' Jamie Collins

CLEVELAND, OH - The woeful, winless Cleveland Browns have made a move to shore up their porous defense. The team has sent a compensatory third-round draft pick to the New England Patriots for All-Pro linebacker Jamie Collins, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Collins was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft and picked up 291, 10.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and five interceptions during his time in New England. Through eight games this season, he had 43 combined tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and two interceptions.

The Browns are currently rank dead last in terms of team defense. Cleveland has given 238 points through eight games, 35 more points than the next worst defense. The rush defense is currently ranked 31st and the pass defense is 25th.

Early reports suggest that the Patriots may have moved Collins to dodge paying him at the end of the year. Schefter reported that the linebacker was asking to become one of the highest paid players at his position.

The money won't be an issue for Cleveland. The team has gobs of cap space going into next season, with roughly $55 million to throw around. The Browns could also use the franchise tag on Collins to keep him around, if they don't use it on wide receiver Terrelle Pryor.

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